- Dentist
Illume Smiles - Queens Road
Assessment report published 1 September 2026
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 6 August 2026.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
We found shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to the control of substances hazardous to health, recruitment, infection prevention and control, data protection (closed circuit television) and fire safety management.
Although there are issues to be addressed, the impact of our concerns relates to the governance and the oversight of the risks, rather than a patient safety risk.
The practice is in Cheltenham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces available, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.
The practice had 4 treatment rooms.
At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 19 staff, of which there were 3 dentists, 1 oral surgeon, 1 orthodontist, 4 dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental hygiene therapist, 2 dental hygienists, 3 receptionists, 1 treatment coordinator and the practice manager.
We gathered feedback and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental hygiene therapist, 1 dental hygienist and 2 reception staff.
The provider was not complying with Regulation 17 Good Governance. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the inspection report.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We reviewed patient feedback we received, and feedback routinely obtained by the practice.
On the day of our inspection, we obtained the views of patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.
Patients felt able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and said they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed.
Patients told us they were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and any associated costs. They were involved in decisions about their care.
Patients told us that when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.
The practice shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken.